Author: Buzzer Editorial

Steps have been taken to destroy a large stock of foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 1.2 billion that was illegally smuggled into the country last year without paying the required customs duty, Sri Lanka Customs said.The stock of foreign cigarettes was destroyed at the illegal cigarettes destruction yard located on the premises of the Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), under the supervision of the officers of Sri Lanka Customs.The stock of cigarettes seized by Customs in 2024, 2022, and 2018 were confiscated and destroyed following customs investigations. Share

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to allocate 219.7233 hectares of land as a grant to the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) to facilitate the swift commencement of the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW Solar Power Park project.The government has set a target of meeting 70% of the country’s electricity demand through renewable energy sources by 2030, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters today. In line with this goal, the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW Solar Power Park project has been identified as a key initiative.A 219.7233-hectare plot of land, which is not under cultivation or any other use, has been…

International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer commended Sri Lanka’s economic recovery in the recent years, and stated that as economic opportunities return to Sri Lanka, income will be increased and poverty will be reduced making it more attractive for the people to remain in Sri Lanka, not leave or emigrate.Speaking during the Press Conference on the IMF Executive Board’s completion of the third review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, the IMF Senior Mission Chief stated that Sri Lanka’s reserves have increased significantly so far under the EFF program. “They have reached about…

A joint report evaluating Sri Lanka’s recent political and human rights developments has been submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by Sri Lanka Core Group led by the United Kingdom.The report was presented yesterday (03) during the 58th session of the UNHRC. In addition to the United Kingdom, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia contributed to the submission.The report commended Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power last year and has reviewed the actions of the incumbent government. “We recognise that the new Sri Lankan Government has only been in place for four months, and we…

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando states that all citizens of the country, including both individuals and businesses, are required to pay taxes.Speaking in Parliament today (04), he emphasized that it is unfair to focus on the taxes imposed on individuals within the digital sector only.He further explained that the 15% tax rate for the digital service exports was introduced after careful consideration of the digital sector and stressed that it has always been applied fairly.Elaborating on the tax structure, the Deputy Minister said, “Individuals who export digital services receive a special advantage. The first Rs. 150,000…

Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed that intelligence have been received about an extremist organization operating in the Kalmunai area of the Eastern Province.Speaking at the weekly Cabinet press briefing held today (04), the Minister stated that security forces are closely monitoring the situation.“There is information about such a group based in the Eastern Province, and intelligence and security forces are disclosing details regarding it,” he said in response to a journalist’s question.He further noted that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had also addressed the matter during discussions on the defense expenditure head. However, Minister Jayatissa emphasized that, for now,…

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the development of 24 oil tanks at the Trincomalee upper tank farm.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will oversee a three-year project aimed at completing the development of these oil tanks within three years. The project will include conducting a feasibility study and carrying out the necessary work, according to Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.Approvals from relevant parties, including the Road Development Authority (RDA), Sri Lanka Railways, and the Marine Environmental Protection Authority, have already been obtained for the project, he added.Accordingly, the proposal submitted by the Minister of Energy to implement the…

A court order has been issued preventing the holding of a protest planned by a group of activists of the Unemployed Graduates’ Association, who have passed the Teachers’ Examination but are yet to secure employment, in a manner that inconvenience the general public.The protest was scheduled to take place today (March 4) at the Polduwa junction.The Welikada Police OIC has obtained the court order based on intelligence suggesting that the protest would obstruct the public movement by blocking roads.In response to the request, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued the order preventing the protest march against the following individuals:1.…

Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).The SLAF said that the appointment will be in effect from today (March 04).Sumanaweera was serving as the Director General Air Operations in the Sri Lanka Air Force since 2024.Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera is a distinguished past student of President’s College, Minuwangoda. He joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet in the General Duties Pilot Branch of the 24th intake in 1991. After successful completion of his Basic and Advanced Flying Training at the Sri Lanka…

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry recorded earnings of $400.7 million in January 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This marks a 17.2% increase compared to the $341.8 million earned in January 2024.Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reports that a total of 232,341 tourists arrived in the country between February 1 and 27, bringing the total number of arrivals for the year up to February 27, 2025, to 485,102.The industry had previously generated $362.1 million in December 2024. Central Bank data also shows that total tourism earnings for 2024 reached $3,168.7 million,…